Chapter 61: 061 Compliment

 Chapter 61: 061 Compliment

Gu Jue’s cold, distant eyes softened slightly as he nodded, saying, "Much better."

The prescription that Chu Qianchen had given him had been taken for ten days now. Initially, his old injury would flare up once a day, but over time, the attacks became shorter, and now, it had been three days without any flare-up at all.

The prince hadn’t praised her directly, which left Chu Qianchen feeling a little down. But she quickly picked herself up, knowing that her medicine must be effective!

A smile spread across her face, her eyes narrowing in happiness as she pointed at his left hand and said in a sweet voice, "Give me your hand."

Gu Jue obediently extended his hand.

Chu Qianchen placed her slender fingers on his left wrist and concentrated as she took his pulse.

After a moment, she withdrew her hand with satisfaction. "Continue with the prescription I gave you. Take it for another ten days."

As the wind blew, the thin gauze veil lifted slightly, revealing her delicate chin and the slight curve of her lips. She wore no makeup, and her skin was as pale as jade, her lips as red as freshly dyed vermilion.

In that fleeting glance, she looked even more enchanting than the peach blossoms blooming around them—radiant like the spring sunlight.

"However, the Great Pill still lacks a few ingredients..."

In recent days, Chu Qianchen had visited almost every pharmacy in the capital but had not been able to find these missing ingredients.

Her fine brows furrowed slightly as she looked troubled.

"Great Pill?"

Just hearing the name of the pill, Gu Jue could roughly guess that it was a restorative and longevity tonic.

"What ingredients are missing?" he asked.

Chu Qianchen had already written down the list of herbs. She took out a piece of folded silk paper from her sleeve, unfolded it, and pushed it in front of him. "The ingredients I’ve already found are circled. The ones that aren't circled are the ones I haven't found yet."

She then explained carefully, "Your old injury has been with you for over three years. Over these years, it’s been like a parasite, slowly draining your strength. Your internal organs have deteriorated and can no longer endure surgery."

"So, I’m first replenishing your essence and blood, restoring your vital energy. It must be done gradually, without rushing."

Chu Qianchen's gaze lowered and rested on his chest, her eyes narrowing slightly.

She was more anxious than anyone to heal Gu Jue, to remove the shattered arrowhead lodged in his chest, but she knew she couldn’t rush. She had to ensure everything was perfect—there couldn’t be any mistakes.

Their eyes met, and for some reason, Gu Jue felt that she seemed even more nervous, more serious, than he was.

Gu Jue folded the silk paper again and said, "Leave these herbs to me."

"Okay!"

Chu Qianchen responded happily. She knew that the prince was the most reliable person!

A smile once again appeared on her face, her eyes sparkling.

Her clear, mirror-like eyes reflected his figure, and her gaze toward him was like the others around him—respectful, admiring... yet, unlike the others, there was a hint of playful affection and dependency in her eyes.

Somehow, a strange sense of familiarity stirred in Gu Jue’s heart.

But he was sure that before he went to the northern regions, he had never met this second young miss of the Yongding Marquis's household.

Though his mind swirled with thoughts, his face remained calm and composed. He said again, "As for the rest... I leave it to you, Miss."

The prince had finally praised her!

No matter what, she decided that the prince had indeed praised her!

Her smile grew even brighter, her eyes gleaming with joy and happiness.

She almost blurted out that it was nothing, but then changed her mind and said, "On my way here, I bought some peach blossom cakes. Would the prince like to try them?"

Chu Qianchen opened a nearby red lacquered carved wooden box, took out a box of pastries, still warm, and when opened, an irresistible fragrance wafted out.

Gu Jue raised an eyebrow. "Is this the peach blossom cake from Bai Wei Ju?"
Bai Wei Ju was a pastry shop he frequently visited before heading to the northern regions.

"Peach blossom cake pairs perfectly with your pre-Qingming Longjing tea," Chu Qianchen nodded. "I'll brew the tea!"

At that moment, the teapot on the red clay stove made a soft sound, the water boiling with a steady rush like a spring.

Chu Qianchen moved with practiced grace, expertly rinsing the cups, washing the tea leaves, brewing, sealing the pot, and pouring the tea—all done fluidly, as smooth as flowing clouds and water, graceful and composed, with a sense of quiet calm and confidence.

Chu Qianchen was in an exceptionally good mood. In her previous life, she often brewed tea for the prince, and he always favored the tea she made.

Soon, she placed the tea in front of Gu Jue, watching him intently, her eyes full of unmasked anticipation.

This scene was also observed by Hu Po, standing outside the pavilion.

Hu Po’s expression was subtle, and for a moment, she almost doubted that the young miss inside the pavilion was really her young mistress.

A lot had happened in the past month, and the young miss seemed to have transformed entirely—becoming distant, aloof, and confident. Yet now, as she looked at Prince Chen, there was a hint of affection, as if she were behaving coquettishly toward an elder.

Was this just her impression?

Hu Po rubbed her eyes and looked back into the pavilion, just in time to see a tall figure in blue pass by her, walking confidently toward the three-colored peach grove, without Mo Chen attempting to stop him.

Xue Fengyan quickly walked to the pavilion and cupped his fists in greeting. "Master, the Second Young Master has arrived."

Though Xue Fengyan didn’t directly name him, Chu Qianchen could roughly guess who the "Second Master" was.

The late emperor had ten sons, and the eldest prince, weak from birth, passed away before reaching adulthood. After the emperor’s death, an edict was issued naming the second prince, Gu Lang, as the heir to the throne—this was the current emperor.

The current emperor’s visit to Yuanqing Temple must have been specifically to see the prince...

Sigh. The prince couldn’t stay for tea now.

As expected—

Gu Jue only took a small sip of tea before setting down the cup with a smile. "Miss Chu, I must take my leave now."

Chu Qianchen felt that the emperor was just as annoying as ever!

"Your Highness, please make sure not to engage in any battles during this period, and take good rest."

Her bright eyes were as clear as black-and-white chess pieces, without a trace of impurity, her gaze implying that he should listen carefully.

Gu Jue nodded. "Mm."

"Then I’ll see you in ten days for a follow-up." Chu Qianchen’s spirits lifted again. The prince was always a man of his word, and if he said it, he would do it.

In ten days, she’d get to see him again!

Gu Jue, along with Xue Fengyan and Mo Chen, left the peach grove. The three walked leisurely toward the east, as if casually strolling through a garden.

Soon, they encountered a middle-aged man, around forty, wearing a dark blue robe and a black "wanzi" cap, surrounded by three or four men with different appearances.

The man was holding a folding fan, walking slowly while gently waving it. His demeanor exuded a sense of superiority, as though he looked down on the world.

It was the current emperor, Gu Lang.

End of Chapter